Olympic National Park Staircase Entrance

6 Day Hikes Around Staircase

1. Staircase Rapids Loop: Easy 2-mile trail winds through old growth forest to a bridge over the North Fork Skokomish River, 200’ elevation gain. Spur trail leads to a huge fallen cedar. The 0.6 miles to the Big Cedar, and the 0.5 mile to river viewpoint are accessible with assistance.

2. Four Stream: Pass Staircase Rapids Bridge on southwest side of river and hike 1.2 miles to Beaver Flat, a swampy section of red alder and red cedar forest. Elevation loss 100’.

3. Wagonwheel Lake: 2.9 mile s, with an elevation gain of 3,365’. Strenuous hike up forested slopes, with mountain views.

4. Shady Lane: Flat 0.9 mile to Four Stream Road and Lake Cushman.

5. Flapjack Lakes: 7.8-mile one-way hike with a 3,115’ elevation gain; a day hike only for very strong hikers.

6. North Fork Skokomish River: Dayhikers can walk the valley part of this 15.1-mile trail that leads eventually to the Duckabush River.

How Staircase Got Its Name

You will see no staircase at Staircase today. In 1890, when Lt. O’Neil and his crew blazed through the Skokomish wilderness, the rock bluff across the river was a major obstacle. To get over they built a cedar staircase. Until 1911, the Devil’s Staircase was the only path over the bluff. The name, and O’Neil’s legacy, remains.

Staircase Ranger Station: open in summer when staffing allows, with information, exhibits, wilderness permits, bear canisters, map sales and wheelchair available. Stock corral, trails and restroom and picnic area nearby. Call (360) 565-3131 for status during inclement weather.

Camping: 49 sites, picnic tables, fire rings, restrooms, potable water, animal-proof food lockers. Pit toilets and no water or trash collection mid-fall into May. May be walk-in in winter.

Visit nps.gov/olym for permits and reservations.